Tips to Achieve Stronger, Longer Nails

Strong, long, beautiful nails are on many of our wish lists. They make simple tasks, like opening a package, easier, are more fun to paint and make us feel glamorous. If you’re one of the less fortunate when it comes to nail length and strength, fear not! We have tips and tricks to help you get those long, lovely nails about which you’ve been dreaming.Have a well balanced diet.

Just like any other part of your body, your nails need an array of nutrients and vitamins to be able to grow strong and long. According to Heal With Food, some important nutrients your nails need are zinc, protein and iron. Find these in spinach, eggs, nuts, beans and kale. Deficiencies in certain nutrients can lead to brittle nails that break or peel.

Use non-acetone nail polish remover.

Acetone can wreak havoc on your nails. The harsh nail polish remover can dry out nails, leading them to become weak and break. It may take a little more elbow grease to get that glitter polish off, but switching to non-acetone remover can save your nails.

Try supplements.

Beyond nutrition, some supplements can help you reach your goal of longer, healthier nails. The Mayo Clinic suggests using Biotin to help strengthen nails. Biotin is the most widely known hair and nail supplement. It helps boost cell growth and metabolize amino acids, which lead to healthier nails. Many women also find that taking prenatal vitamins help their nails grow faster and stronger. Consult your doctor for more information if you’re interested in going the supplement route.

Always keep your nails polished.

This tip goes out to those who are pickers, pullers and chewers. If your nails are always stubs because of self-induced nail trimming, try keeping your nails polished. Making your nails look nice will give you more of an incentive to not pick or bite your nails. Once you’ve broken the habit, say hello to longer nails.

Layer polish over a nail growth base.

This can do wonders for the speed your nails grow. Before using your normal polish, use a nail growth or nail-hardening base to give your nails an extra boost. This will also help protect your nails from harsh polishes that can dry out your nails, causing them to flake and break. A great option is Sally Hansen’s Maximum Growth formula.

Longer and stronger nails can be in your future by following some or all of these tips! Buy yourself a new bottle of nail polish to give yourself the motivation to keep up with these tips and tricks to get awesome nails.

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Kali O'RourkeKali usually ends up watching movies and TV shows when she should be writing, which means she can and will beat you at any pop culture trivia game. When not found reading or wishing it was Halloween, she dreams about one day creating a TV show that ruins people’s lives (in a good way).

Mallory WalkerI spend too much time reading and watching TV. The phrase "What is the meaning of this?!" always cracks me up. Puppies, Diet Coke and the '90s make me happy. I mean really, who doesn't love the days of Marky Mark?